Additional thoughts on backpacking chairs: I notice that many people arguing against chairs are younger, often in their 20s. Now that I'm in my 40s, a chair with back support is key to me taking proper care of my body on the trail. I would not have bothered 20 years ago if they had been available.

@debbilermond1553

2 жыл бұрын

Wait until these young hikers get older, especially if they get in few car accidents and acquire a bad back in the process. A chair with back support is so nice in camp to also give your legs a break to stretch out. If weight is the only criteria, then ditch the chair but for some of us, we will take a chair over those drones/cameras/GoPros etc. for vlogging. It really boils down to priorities. Mine is enjoying the backpacking experience as a whole. I enjoy camp cooking and taking in the mountain sounds, smells and sights. As I get older, I enjoy comfort more than expediency. I will never cold soak my food just to save 3 ounces. Live is short - savor every moment! 😉

@TomyHovingtonHiking

2 жыл бұрын

Just turned 45 and a chair starting to sound really nice…

@btrswt35

2 жыл бұрын

I'm mid 40's and anything involving sitting on the floor/ground sucks. It's hard on my back and my legs go to sleep after awhile.

@dohman76

2 жыл бұрын

as a big dude in my mid 40's... A chair is totally a luxury item that I will take.

@brianc1651

2 жыл бұрын

I use a hammock and almost always hike solo and all day. I have a chair, but it rarely goes.

51 year old man here. Just did my first trip/shakedown hike of the season last weekend. I hadn’t noticed on my last trip that one of the legs on my chair had bent. To avoid a major fail, I didn’t use it for the remainder of the trip. Gotta say, I don’t mind sitting on the ground...once I’m down there. My sit pad is comfy enough. However, getting up off the ground is another story. I missed my chair this trip. My lower back is killing me... Backpacking chair FTW!!!

@anthimatter

2 жыл бұрын

Also 51 and completely agree. If only I could afford those gold plated trekking poles to help me get up off the ground 😆

@gary7vn

6 ай бұрын

The only chairs are Helinox chairs.

Even on my long hikes (10-14) days I always bring a chair. It elevates the camp experience so much and I believe it's worth the extra weight. Coming from a fit 27 year old

trekking poles have saved me from so many potential falls on trail.

@rgmALC

2 жыл бұрын

I don’t get how people think they are over rated. They literally help you climb and descend while using less leg power

@saxon3980

2 жыл бұрын

Totally agree. I'm closing in on 60, have shot knees, and back courtesy of my time in the army. Trekking poles enable me to hike, and I can't help but think that some of my injuries could of been avoided if I'd been able to use trekking poles back then; which of course not have been practical.

@benhikingoutdoors1632

2 жыл бұрын

I feel like people who say Trekking Poles are over rated are the super UL jerks or people who dont actually do alot of hiking.

@jonathanfitts2584

2 жыл бұрын

Great for sketchy creek crossings too

@rockytopwrangler2069

2 жыл бұрын

... Trekking poles or even a single staff have dozens of uses beyond only a support system ... ..A little or a lot of hiking ,, trekking poles can be a lifesaving piece of gear ... ... Don't live on "luck" ,, remember Murphy ?? ...

As a 66 year old hiker I can attest, trekking poles are huge to me. They relieve my way too many marathon race knees, and provide stability on severe terrain. But I found great ones for less than $50 each. Great content!

@lazzasamuels3722

Жыл бұрын

Totally agree. I was getting bad tendonitis flare ups thanks to old sports injuries (ruptured Achilles, torn ACL). Hiking poles significantly reduced the risk of inflammation while providing added stability/safety.

@Eddie-ij1cc

Жыл бұрын

I agree... youth is wasted on the young... it's proven over long distances trekking polls are so helpful., help with the knees also without them I have a habit of holding on to my shoulder strap instead of swinging my arms which help blood flow... my trail buddies ( aluminum) for 24. dollars have held up for 2 years...I don't waste my time on ultra backpackers talking garbage.. if they want to buy my gear then they can tell me what to hike with or what's better for me...people love big name brands

@TammiLColesinGermany

11 ай бұрын

Care to share the brand name for the inexpensive ones?

@cuz129

11 ай бұрын

Montem, a small family brand. I use the extra strong because I tend to fall on them a lot!

At 26, I could pack the kitchen sink, skip over the fells, perch on a log and sleep on rocks! At 56, I need as much ultralight gear as my money will allow, hiking poles, a seat and an inflatable mattress with an extra foam pad!

Never thought that trekking poles are something i would use, it's for old people, right? But as i always found myself coming back from a tour with a wooden stick or two, i ended up purchasing a set for a long trip with a LOT of ascents and descents. Any skepticism i had about them vanished after first 35km and 2500m of elevation. They saved a lot more than just my knees. Now i take them on every tour, especially with a well loaded pack on my back. As for overpriced, well, you get what you pay for in lot of cases. I wouldn't do any serious mountain tours with a cheap chinesium set that costs $30. If you can't rely on them to take your weight safely they become pointless and even a serious danger on more technical trails.

@debbilermond1553

2 жыл бұрын

When I was young, I used a walking stick which I made from a small maple tree for hiking on the trail. I watched hikers when trekking poles just came into fashion and I thought, "that's not for me!" Well, that was about 40 years ago and I use them now every time I hike. People who scoff at them will probably be facing knee surgery as they get older. Wish I'd study to be a knee surgeon instead of an artist, LOL! 😂

@kimoleeuaw

2 жыл бұрын

If u wanna use the word cheep then use the word cheep, there are plenty of them instead of chinesium. Do u known Black Diamond having fabric in Taiwan? Jaja Leki is made inGermany, but where do they import the aluminium alloy ？ As a Chinese I really feel getting offended. China contributes so much convenient to people’s life in the whole world, it deserves a little appreciation and respect from us, dude!

@apsynto

Жыл бұрын

@@kimoleeuaw China has saturated the market with cheap low quality items over the last decades. And yes, chinesium is a stereotype, but the thing about stereotypes is that they are usually based on reality and truth. No one is saying that China cannot make quality stuff, they can. Nitecore is my preferred flashlight brand for example. But vast majority of products coming from your country are sub-par. Sure, you could see it as bringing convenience and affordable items to the world...or you could see it as undercutting the local industries and making it almost impossible for anything but high-end and niche producers to survive. Also, Taiwan is not China 🤷🏻‍♂️

I ended up bending and snapping three pairs of cheap trekking poles in the White Mountains before investing in a good pair of Black Diamond ones. I had thought they were overpriced, but I ended up spending more replacing cheap ones!

@bermo61

Жыл бұрын

Black diamonds are excellent. I have the Black Diamond Trail trekking poles and they are great! Not overrated at all!

@andr101

Жыл бұрын

I prefer aluminum poles over carbon fiber ones. They weight more, but should be more reliable

>I used to blast down the trail hands free. Now that I'm in my 60's trekking poles have become a staple. Even when scrambling up and down a steep bolder trail with a 40 lbs. pack I found them very important. >A fancy tent? I got a 3+ season Alys one man tent. Is the weight savings really worth it? I'm thinking of looking into a 2 man tent for the added room, maybe... > I'm toying with the idea of a chair, one that uses trekking poles. Getting up from the ground isn't as easy as it used to be! >Back in the day I'd cook my dinner in my mess kit over an open fire! But let's face it, a freeze dry package is lighter and doesn't attract wildlife like a grilled steak! The isobutane fuel cartridge fits in my stainless-steel cup and the Primes stove doesn't take up much space. No need to upgrade!

The main attraction to the jet boil for me, which I don’t own… is the fact the pot is connected to the burner. I have lost more than one meal to the ground because I took my eyes off the pot and it tipped over. Especially when using a micro burner like the brs.

@Francisco.Rizzuti

Жыл бұрын

Exactly. This man has huge point here

@MINKIN2

Жыл бұрын

@@Francisco.Rizzuti Built in wind sheild by design makes it one less thing that you don't have to carry.

Chairs are NOT overrated. I have REI Flexlite (1 pound) and another one that I loan to my hiking buddies. We're old guys and really appreciate a chair after doing 8 miles on trail. I think a chair is underrated. Maybe if I were 25 years old I would be OK with sitting on the ground. I ise trekking poles. They have SMA several times. I'm with you about Jetboil. Big, heavy, expensive. Don't care if it's 10% faster and slightly more efficient than my Soto Amicus. I am in no hurry so might use my excellent alcohol stove. See the build and burn test on my channel; Tom Loves DIY. Lots of other stuff. Thanks

I have been backpacking since 1968. I have used more stoves than you can count. I'm not a weight weeny with food for 5 days my pack weighs in a 30lbs. I have a jetboil, it works, and until something better comes along or when it dies I see no reason to replace it.

Completely agree with Jetboil being overrated. I fell into this exact trap of purchasing the Zip and only recently switched to the BRS stove with a titanium mug. Very much enjoying the simplicity of it. If people want to be faster on their hikes, I'd say carrying less bulky/heavy gear (like a Jetboil) makes more sense, instead of carrying a Jetboil that saves only a fraction of time to boil water. Fun vid, thanks for sharing your perspectives!

@bermo61

Жыл бұрын

BRS is a great yet super economical piece of gear. I love mine.

I do need tracking poles. I would not be able to hike without them. My knees and my balance are not good. They help a lot

Trekking poles saved me from falling many times with a heavy backpack. Certainly not overrated. Agree with the fact that you don't need to buy the expensive ones. Just buy aluminium, they don't break but bend.

Good video! I like how you described both pros and cons of the items. I like having a chair and a dyneema tent. Sticks are essential for me, though not for everyone. I think Jetboil is too bulky, heavy and expensive but ok with me if people love them! One item I think is over-rated is the Gossamer Gear 1/8" foam pad. Happy hiking y'all!

@drytool

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with you on the gg pad, mainly because they disintegrate so easily and are too narrow for me. I hate having to focus on keeping my arms from flopping on the ground when I'm trying to sleep.

@sarahlikescanoes

Жыл бұрын

I bough my own pad from Foam Shop in Canada (wider and shorter as you can pick your dimensions) and LOVED using it in the Pyrenees for three weeks last month. For Canadian trips, its a mix of the dog's mat and a yoga mat. In Europe, I used it as a sit pad (folded), a stretch/yoga pad, in my tent as extra insulation (est. 0.5 R value, so not much) and to limit my S2S pad from shifting around, and as a wind break inside my tent on a particularly windy night when a draft woke me up. I didn't bring a chair on this trip. I loved my 1/8 in foam pad and found it indispensable. It was $16 CAD and has held up well despite massive abuse by me and the dog!

Been using some type stick or trekking pole since my teens years back in the 80s. Damn sure used something on my AT thru in 90 as well. If used correctly and intended, trekking poles help tremendously. However, I see plenty of people using them incorrectly. Proper use is that you should look like an four legged animal in motion when using them. Right/Left and Left/Right.

@jamicrawford6729

2 жыл бұрын

@@canadafree2087 seen that many times lol

The most overrated thing is Ultralight Backpackers.

I absolutely love my Big Agnes Skyline UL chair. It’s extremely comfortable and worth the small weight penalty compared to my Helinox Chair Zero. I would probably like slightly lighter weight trekking poles, but I’m perfectly happy with my inexpensive Foxelli trekking poles that I bought off of Amazon. They truly help with going uphill and downhill. Great video, Devin. Thanks for sharing.

4:47 I think we have the winner: helinox chair zero in dyneema stuff sack 🙂

@jeremymolnar2114

2 жыл бұрын

Lol I can one up it. A dynema food bag with a picture of my cat sitting in a chair zero on said bag.

@debbilermond1553

2 жыл бұрын

I thought about getting a Dyneema stuff sack for my Helinox but that did nothing for the rest of the outside of my pack. I solved it by getting the Z Packs large Dyneema pack cover which weighs 1.5 ounces and covers everything in the main compartment inside and out of my GG Mariposa. It's twice the price of the Dyneema custom Chair Zero bag from Hilltop packs but it covers all of the gear in every outside pocket. For me, that's the best of both worlds.

Dyneema is not overrated. The issue is the cost. I make Dyneema tents and heat reflective tents. My 3.86 ounce DIY diamond shaped floorless tent , 4 ft X 9 ft X 3.5 ft high is constructed entirely with glue versus sewn versus adhesive tape. Using glue, construction goes quickly and am able to make alignment adjustments while the glue is setting. Both sewing and adhesive tape construction leads to four problems that gluing avoids. My 3.86 ounce tent Dyneema material cost me less than $100. All up cost was about $125 with zippers, glue, spectra fishing line and mosquito netting.

@vinoto

2 жыл бұрын

What did you use the fishing line for

@ULperformance

2 жыл бұрын

@@vinoto 100 lb test strength Spectra fishing line was used for 5 stake tie-down loops, open entry/exit folded/rolled tent material tie-down loops, interior peak hanging loop for flashlight and other gear and outside peak loop for hanging/ supporting the tent from above by 8 different means.

Interesting list from your viewers. I pretty much agree with you on all items. Often times people just look at price vs price relative to performance and in the backpacking world, weight is an important part of performance.

I don't know if "clothing gear" was included in your original poll but I will have to say that trail runners are way overrated in the sense of disparaging the value of hiking boots. I have nothing against trail runners for those who like them but I gave in and tried the popular Altra Lone Peak 5's last year and found them worthless. They were like a very well made soft slipper, with no structure or support for backpacking. I even started to get plantar fasciitis pain from them. It's pretty obvious that many people do well with trail runners but I detest the boot-shaming articles that pop up several times a year, telling people to switch to trail runners and, worst of all, claiming that boots do not offer ankle protection and support. You can show me 10 so-called scientific studies but I will tell you unconditionally that mid height boots that cover most of your ankle absolutely do prevent injury by catching your ankle when it starts to roll on uneven rocks or whatever. So, more power to those for whom trail runners work but stop alleging that boots do not offer great value and features for those who like them, like me. Thank you for allowing me to rant 🤨.

@bflagg94

2 жыл бұрын

An important point to note here is that those studies do universally acknowledge that if the boot covers you entire ankle, it will provide support. It's the "low profile" boots that genuinely provide none

@jeffstone28

2 жыл бұрын

@@bflagg94 I didn't know that. Thanks!

I had a tibial plateau fracture (lower surface of the knee joint), and if it weren't for trekking poles, I probably wouldn't be able to do what I can backpacking without them. Granted, I'm not super-wealthy, and wouldn't pay more than $120 for a pair, and think I spent somewhere in the $60 to $80 range for my current pair. I've never owned a backpacking chair, & have never been able to justify the weight & space trade-off. Granted, I may be being a bit hypocritical here, seeing as I took a ukulele with me on my last backpacking trip, but I justified that with it only being 2.1 miles from the road to the trail camp (amusingly, I encountered a PCT thru-hiker, who was also packing a ukulele).

@PJ818

2 жыл бұрын

...I'd bought a $20 to $30 pair of aluminum trekking poles, where one of the poles got jammed in the rocks, as an ankle-breaker slid under one of my feet & caused me to put a lot of force on that trekking pole. That pole bent, & I leveraged it in the rocks & bent it to at least make the tip parallel to the bulk of the shaft of the rest of the pole to get me through the rest of that trip. After that, I was convinced that bottom end frugality in this case might be more expensive in the long run.

@saxon3980

2 жыл бұрын

I bet it was a UL Ukelele though🤣

@BackcountryExposure

2 жыл бұрын

Ooh geez, that doesn't sound like a fun injury. Trekking poles would be a huge benefit for that. I would argue for a chair that weighs 1 pound that you cannot genuinely tell a difference on your back in 24 pounds vs 25 pounds. So adding a 1 pound chair isn't a big deal imo.

@rockytopwrangler2069

2 жыл бұрын

..a couple of years ago there was a hiker that had a Tuba on trail .. never heard a negative comment about it ... I think that's where a term of "Hike to your own tune" came from ....

I can tell you trekking poles have saved me from bailing on dozens of occasions and my knees wouldn't exist without them! But mine are a pretty cheap pair of leki's

My Jetboil is several years old and I use it daily. But I don’t hike with it. I use it for 4WDing ( I believe you’d call it overlanding) and when I’m at work (I drive a roadtrain in Australia). My Jetboil has been to hell and back and even though it is expensive it has payed for itself many times over.

Agree with the Jetboil being overrated. There are about 4 or 5 other stoves you can use to just boil water, but most of them will allow you to cook food as well. Not to mention, you don't need any sort of special adapter to use a fry pan, or different size pots with them.

@vaseklepic12

2 жыл бұрын

That's why I would never buy their zip/flash model. I have their MiniMo stove and it's the best stove I've ever used (it has superb regulation and heats evenly), i might buy a smaller and lighter pot for it though.

@DonP_is_lostagain

2 жыл бұрын

@@vaseklepic12 I'm very much considering the MiniMo.

Loved the video, big thumbs up from deepest Dorset England 👍 As for all these tools (because that’s what they are!) they all have their place. At 70+ I’ve been there done that and in most cases got the ‘T’ shirt😂 As for the Jet boil I have 3! But I also have stoves that are just a gram or two! Bottom line, if I know the terrain is to be arduous or the weather foul it has to be a JB a no brainier! There are not many stoves where you can safely brew a cuppa in the back of a moving vehicle! (Not recommend, but easily and safely accomplished!) Thanks for taking the time to upload, much appreciated 👍

I have a Tarptent Notch so I need a pair of trekking poles to raise it and those poles I use also as a camera monopod. I’ve built an adapter with an Arca quick release that is easy to operate. (Remember the Black Diamond tent that floods with condensation? Those are the trekking poles I use)😁 I have a Helinox chair. It’s a must because I suffer from back pain. I can’t sit on the ground for more than 15 minutes before the aching starts. I refuse to use any kind of canister stove, period. They’re much too noisy. I go outdoors for peace. That why I use a Trangia alcohol stove.

@BackcountryExposure

2 жыл бұрын

I also have a notch and I use their poly carbon poles for it instead of trekking poles.

I purchased a cubin fiber tarp to use with my Jungle Hammock. Used it one time and went back to the Silnylon and eventually the Silpoly tarps. Trekking poles , I use them when walking , in camp to set the tarp up in a porch more. I even use them ( a single one ) for my daily walks , it keeps the dogs away. They are something I really like. Chairs , got one of the really light weight ones. Ended up giving it to my 8 year old grandson. Didn't need it , I sleep up off the ground ( about normal chair height ) so my hammock doubles as a great chair. The jet boil ( heavy , large , high priced and loud plus you have to carry the fuel ) is something you will never find me using. I like a Firebox Nano Gen 2 titanium stove for normal use ( pick up the fuel , sticks , in camp ) and a Evernew titanium alcohol burner as a back up heat source. The alcohol is food grade and from 156 to 190 proof , has a lot of uses.

As an Australian, all those prices you quoted are double or triple over here - yet our wages are not all that dissimilar. So while those items listed all have their place, the prices are way overinflated, making all of them overrated in that sense I guess. I would love a pair of trekking poles but my options seem to be cheap rubbish that leaves broken parts on the trail or Ferrari-level carbon fibre 'sticks'; there's very little in between. That Jetboil system is over $250 here and those tents are well over $1000. Even Sea to Summit, an Australian company, is ridiculously overpriced. Someone's having a laugh! Not me though lol.

I can’t really comment on chairs or Dyneema. Chairs because I’ve just never tried taking one, and I don’t see the need, for myself. I’ve never once felt during a trip “Man I wish I had a chair.” I’d probably forget to take it out of my pack and set it up. Dyneema because I can’t afford to see if I like it. It does have the drawback of bulk and I understand can be kinda loud getting hit by the rain, but I don’t really know. There also aren’t as many choices. Eg I love my WB Minifly tarp with the small doors - I don’t think anyone makes a small door hammock tarp in Dyneema.

I begrudgingly tried trekking poles thinking they wouldn't really by my jam but ended up being pleasantly surprised. I don't hike with trekking poles but I most definitely backpack with trekking poles, cant hardly go without them now. Jetboil was an upgrade for me. I found that I need those 230gram canisters with my Pocket Rocket but only need a 100 gram canister with Jetboil so you really don't get much weight savings by going with the more drama queen in the wind Pocket Rocket due to the extra fuel. I also hated the way everything didn't fit together quite right with Pocket Rocket. My stove was slightly cockeyed in my cook pot and the fuel canister was slightly off and it all clanked and rattled and threatened to get crushed because it didn't fit together quite right. The Jetboil is a compact all-in-one unit; everything just fits together perfect down to the millimeter. The new MSR Windburner looks better than Jetboil but I haven't tried it. Both Windburner and Jetboil are too damn expensive! A decent budget chair option is CampTime Pack Stool at 14oz, $25 and 10 second setup time. I like my Helinox Chair Zero better because it's more comfortable but again just sooo expensive!

My wife and I use Trekking Poles on 90% of our hikes, and we regret the 10% where we don’t use them! They allow us to walk faster, further and safer (no ankle/knee issues)! I’m 6’3” and my wife is 5’2”, we’re fit/healthy, and we both equally enjoy the benefits Poles bring to our hikes. Oh and we also swear by our overpriced Jet-boil, Osprey backpack, Altberg boots and Arc’teryx jackets 😎🤪🥳👍

Trekking Poles? - i could not do the long distance trails that i do without the trekking poles i use. They have saved me so many times and i use them for pitching my tent as well so for me, they are indispensable. Chairs?? - Definitely overrated!! A bit of black plastic on the ground is fine. It also doubles up as a entrance to your tent. Jetboil? - Oooh tricky... I got the jetboil at the start and yes it is heavier and bulkier which is a pain when you need to cut both from your pack. The problem is i keep going back to it because it is reliable, complete and very frugal on gas use which is paramount on long distance trails away from stores.

I’ve been backpacking for over 40 years and I love my JetBoil because it makes boiling water easy. I’ve had other stoves and they were fickle, inefficient and a chore to set up. Was my JetBoil expensive? Beats me. It was a gift.

haha, interesting, my take: 47 years of hiking, never used chairs, too bulky, too heavy, seems to me so unnatural to use them in the wild, chairs are out, jetboil, never used but if you have extra buck and you don' mind extra grams, then I would understand, before modern trekking poles got popular among hikers, I would always find a walking stick or sticks to help me out. dyneema, way too expensive but enjoying my first dyneema shelter, tarptent stratospire li

I can never imagine that I can finish a strenuous hike without my trekking poles. Saved me from falling and helped me a lot when ascending and descending.

Lighter is better as long as it is good stuff. Personally I think quilts are the most overrated items, next would be Melanzana pullovers.

I agree with the trekking poles to a certain extent. For years i hiked with out any. Then i started hiking with a walking stick. Now i just carry one trekking pole. Its just enough extra support for me. But i get if you buy a trekking pole style tent and already use trekking poles its a win, win. Some trekking pole style tents do have tent poles. But yeah some people really need them for support so do what works for you. But don't be persuaded into thinking you have to have a set of trekking poles and they have to be the best, lightest poles you can find. Ask yourself do you really need them? You can getaway with just one. I kinda liked the selfie stick versions. I love gear that is multi purpose. I'm kinda surprised stuff sacks wasn't one on this list? Good stuff man! Hike on!

If dyneema was not so expensive people would love it. My Duplex cost me 750 dollars so some knuckleheads love to hate on it .Do any long distance hiking and you will learn to love it. It’s so light and easy to set up. It retains no rain water and the condensation issue is way over blown. Poles are a no brainer and for my old body totally necessary. Jet Boils to me are just way to heavy. The money is not that issue. A Toaks 550 with BRS is a perfect set up and weights next to nothing. I have only seen one person ever who hiked real miles carry a chair. It’s your hike carry what you want. Me I hike until nearly dark, eat, sleep and repeat. I am well into my 60s and this is how I roll. On this list the one item I am not hiking without is the poles. I need them big time. If I was young I could carry all this heavier gear because back in the day 45 plus pound backs were normal. Now I carry next to nothing and my back is about 16 to 20 pounds minus water for a five day stretch. I also carry stuff for my dog.

Dyneema has a very big advantage over sil-nylon in that dyneema does not stretch when wet. Pitch a sil-nylon tent and tighten it up. If it rains, the entire tent gets sloppy due to the stretch in the sil-nylon fabric. Weight to strength of the dyneema fabric is also superior to other fabrics. As a hiker who is pushing 60 years old, trekking poles are essential for me. Jetboils are meh. MSR's windburner and reactor are superior in wind resistance.

Hi there, I have never owned any trekking poles, however when I'm in the Indian Himalayas above 5500 meters using a single hand made stick (and very strong at that) is a must for me... I agree, most don't know how to use their sticks.... it has save my knees!!!

the biggest issue with Jetboil is the fact that you can buy a FireMaple stove that works better for Half the price. probably the one piece of cheap gear that I have no intention of upgrading and would buy again if I needed a replacement for some reason.

Great video idea! I'm pretty much agreeing with you here on everything! I don't use trekking poles but my kids like them. The kids CHOOSE to carry the weight to have a chair in camp. If love for our Trekker 3 tent to come in a dyneema version!! I'd find a way to pay for it!!

About dynema… if you sew dollar bills one next to another is the area cheaper than dynema?

I love my chair, I love my poles!! They’re functional and greatly improve my wild camping / hiking experience.

On cook systems, using the windburner most often, the price is for ease of use. Almost any condition, can bring out my windburner with little concern, crank out breakfast in a bag and get coffee done in time without effort. I trimmed enough weight to enjoy the next cup of coffee without fuss. If I need to cook proper, this still works and have a windpro, and if I want to trim more weight but handle the fuss then have a litemax or gigapower and trek 700 mug. Think weight shaving here is overrated because there is a trade off.

While on the AT, I saw some other hikers w a Jetboil was amazed how fast it heated water. It wasn't as heavy as I thought it would be. But it wasn't as versatile as a cup you can put over a campfire. And too expensive. Hiking poles were a life saver for me on the trail. They helped me pull myself up hills, kept me from falling numerous times, and helped me pace myself.

Since you cannot depend on finding sticks or poles for river crossings, I do strap a set of trekking poles to my pack on my thru hiking adventures. Makes me feel much more confident in crossing swift waters with $2k worth of cam and video gear. The same holds true for steep, wet and slippery ascents and descents in mountainous terrain. Since my similar to the Jet Boil, MSR Reactor stove is basically only good for boiling water fast and doesn't meet my SAWC philosophy for thru hiking, I opt instead, for something like a pocket rocket stove, small and lightweight or occasionally an alcohol stove. I don't like the price of or the noise produced with dyneema, in either a tent or a tarp. I have never carried a chair but there have been many times on thru hikes, I wished I had one. Enjoyed the video.

I have broken trek poles on a hike but they saved my knees. Told my wife she should use them but she wouldn't then on one hike she tripped and fell and hit her knee and it is still messed up a decade later. After that fall, she started using them. I also have a bit of a bad back, the poles take about 20% of the weight off my back.

What was the stove/pot alternative you held up as an "instead" of jet? The $30 option.

I love my JetBoil. Agree it’s expensive but have tried a basic stove and ti pot and found myself always going back to my JetBoil because 1) the pot locks into place so better for uneven surfaces and not knocking your pot off, 2) regulator is key to cooking food in the pot at elevation and colder temperatures, and 3) the set up with the nesting, coozie, and silicone top makes it super easy to grab and pack up.

@BackcountryExposure

2 жыл бұрын

I agree with your points. I wish they would make a much smaller system, smaller than the stash.

I'm not a jetboil user, but I think you missed the point of a fast boil time: it's all abut fuel efficiency, not eating your food quickly. If it only takes 2 minutes to boil my water instead of 2.5, then I can get 25% more meals out of a single canister of fuel.

What cup is that orange cup on the bottom of the Toaks? thanks!

Those hiking poles you were holding are the ones I use and they have been great. You should have mentioned those are very inexpensive, not even close to $200.

Even on long 100+ miles hiking trips chairs aren't overrated. Try hiking 15+ miles a day for over a week and sitting on nothing but a log or the ground. For less than a pound of extra weight a good hiking chair is an awesome thing to bring with you. Makes the down time much more enjoyable where you can actually be refreshed starting the next day.

Hiked PCT last year 2400 miles . 60 years old with disabilities, pack weight 20 pounds. Dyneema is cold drafty and wet noisy .Nemo one and 2 were my tent of choice sacks and pack were dyneema. From Yosemite to Canada chair all the way on distance hikes cooking is time consuming go with the lightest gear you can so you can carry a chair. Poles Zpack can’t break them very light also used for bear bells and camera mount never witnessed a hiker without poles? Regrets wearing light weight trail running shoes Mexico to Yosemite were boots after Yosemite switch back to trail runners.

I like my jetboil. The French press is nice and fits in the whole package. But I agree they're overpriced. When I'm trying to be fast and light, I use an alcohol stove. But for groups, especially when it's chilly, the speed is worth the extra weight. And the ease of making good coffee. Probably not for the budget conscious hiker though. To be honest, I haven't tried a plain cannister stove lately. To me, it's like... Do I want fast, convienent, and heavy or do I want light, quiet, and slow. The extra weight for the jetboil system vs a pocket rocket or something doesn't seem like a lot of weight cost since you need the heavy fuel can either way.

Should have had people include their base weight with their overrated item suggestions. Sounds like a lot of sub 10 lb ultralighters and all the stuff they justify not having.

@BackcountryExposure

2 жыл бұрын

ha ha! Could be...

Trekking poles are important where I live very rocky and steep hills mostly dry valleys as well, plus they work to keep my tent up, I’ve saved myself from so many falls too that would of ruined me especially going up high trails in the valleys with sheer drops on the other side. I do have a jetboil as well but I’d only use it for trips with people. I’ve got a smaller setup as well to cook fire, a fire one or a wood/fuel burner. It all depends where I go, certain areas like cali is good. In more wet areas I’d go with my fuel burner.

I don think any of the items are overrated. They can be super useful for the right type of hikers. Personally though a Dyneema tent is the only thing I'd buy for myself. Possibly trekking poles too, but it's not something I'd use on most hikes.

I won't backpack without poles. I carry a chair on most trips. I don't car camp so I don't need a Jetboil.

I would never need a chair or table not operating portable ham radio. And in that case, table is more important than a chair. Of course it is possible to operate for a short periods of time from anything, but for prolonged operation some organization of workplace and holding the equipment away from wet and dirt (especially tablet/notebook when operating digital) is an advantage. But during normal hikes, I would left both table and chair at home. (And no, I am not young anymore, but every gram counts.)

Poles. There is a reason so many ultra mountain runners etc.. use the poles, they wouldn’t carry them if there wasn’t a benefit. Also often become tent poles, and fantastic for dodgy descents, river crossings and taking weight off your joints. Common sense really. Would ditch the chair, and Jet Boil, nice for base camp type use though!

backpacking chairs are the bomb!

As a hiker w bad knees I always bring trekking poles and a chair. Splurge on light shoes!

I have all of these things in my pack. Lol. My jetboil zip is mostly for winter use and simmering knorr sides. In the summer I’ll be using my toaks 750 ml and brs stove.

Agree. Hiking sticks are great for rough hilly terrain and shelter poles. Dynema saves around 10oz for 1P shelter is huge for UL and does not sag. With ~16oz chairs (Helinox Zero or Flexlite Air) why not for chill weekend outing. Also have Amicus/Ti pot, but JB is more efficient. I bring JB when fuel is tight usually sharing with my boys. If had only one stove I'd go JB Stash is 7oz and efficient, but I like Ti pot if fuel is non issue.

I'm 57, and won't go out there without my chair and hammock. And my hiking poles help me get those 4 litres of wine out there. And yes, I use a Jetboil MiniMo. And I don't care what anyone thinks of my kit.

Firstly G'day from Melbourne, Australia...Interesting comments about the trekking poles..I did over 30 years of hiking without them but my recent big hike at the end of 2019 yes ...that's the last one, more coming but anyway I'm sure people understand why I haven't done hike over the last couple of years...screw you Covid!!!! anyway...on that 9 day hike I did use trekking poles and found them interesting. I'm sure they help while going up and certianly help while coming down mountains...mabye it's just where I am now as a 52 year old guy but I feel I'll keep using them for future hikes.

I'll sacrifice carrying extra ounces to have a full-on chair. Water is by far the heaviest thing in my pack so it's heaviest when I start and it gets lighter as I go. And I carry a Jetboil Stash which is 16oz with fuel inside it. It's convenient and fast, so I don't mind the weight. Trekking poles are SO useful on elevation changes and crossing slippery surfaces like wet rocks or shallow rivers. Not to mention pushing away overgrown brush so you don't get completely thrashed by all the thorny vines on barely maintained trails.

Instead of a chair, a daylite hammock from superior gear is 4 oz, with the elite suspension for another 3 oz. Better for the midday siesta,far less weight than a chair, setup under two minutes, less expensive than most UL chairs. YMMV of course if you’re above the tree line.

Trekking poles, if used correctly, can help save so much impact on your knees/feet and energy overall. Having 4 points of contact to the ground will also save your life in a lot of bad situations. I agree that you don't have to spend a lot on them though. I found a $20 pair from Wallmart to be just as effective as my Cascade Mountain Tech poles... but just a little heavier.

I’ve always thought the jet boil and stoves like it are overrated. I agree with you, how fast do you need to boil water when camping? Close enough results can be had with a traditional stove and properly set up wind screen. Not as fast and efficient, but good enough.

@brianc1651

2 жыл бұрын

Plus, with just a pot, if your canister stove, if it fails, you can cook over an open fire. I even carry a few Esbit tabs too as back up.

@ricker76er

2 жыл бұрын

@@brianc1651 I also carry an Esbit stove with some tablets.

Ive never got on with trekking poles personally they make me feel more unstable but chairs are a god send! For me in the uk its all above the adventure and pulling a chair under the stars at the top of a mountain is the best part!

Yeah couldn’t disagree more with this list. They also make lightweight Jetboil’s and what I’ve figured is the efficiency that it provides allows me to bring much less fuel than using a titanium pot and stove. I’ve tested it several times and it always comes out lighter using the Jetboil. Also I have some superlight trekking poles and it’s been proven that it makes a big difference in fatigue over longer miles. I also LOVE my chair. I’ve done several trips without it and I envied my backpacking partner highly as she was sitting there nice and comfortable. It’s worth the weight.

Honestly, there are a lot of outdoor gear that is highly overrated. Or over-advertised, including from youtubers, not only companies and retailers. Overrated? well, so are many of the so-called well ventilating sweaters, jackets and mid-layers made today, including merinowool/plastic combos, of which I have a few. Seriously, they don't ventilate that much better, but hold some warmth when wet. I will list a few examples of gear that I have and which I know well from my own limited experience: For example, I have some gear from Fjällräven, including some pairs of trousers made in various versions of their G1000 polycotton fabric, and they are comfortable, they flap a little, they use good snaps and have more belt loops than some, and that's it. Their claim about the wax you have to apply to enhance the performance of G1000 is pure bs. It just doesn't work and you only get a pair of slimy stiff trousers that doesn't repel any rain anyway. I'd say you have just degraded a good pair of trousers. Another example is their shell jackets. I have a Fjällräven Bergtagen Eco-shell top of the line jacket, and it's not water proof, it doesn't become waterproof by using Fjällråvens own product and it gets torn and holed real easy. I got soaked on a trip and had to buy another jacket locally. Completely overrated jacket. Worn down in near 3 years on just a few trips and actually very sparingly used. I for example also have their Kajka 65L, their 30L and 38L Bergtagen backpacks and while all heavy, they work really really well, except the shoulder strap tighteners which loose their position very very easy and you have to tighten the straps again. The main fabric on the Kajka is old design and it looks terrible and worn after only unpacking it, and more so, after use. But that's it. It woks extremely well and it have sideways shoulder width adjustability and that is by far the best feature I've seen on any pack, no matter the brand. For example I also have Fjällrävens neck gaitor in merino, in their expensive Bergtagen line, and it rips super easy. Works well, but doesn't last well. Not at all. I do have Fjällrävens synthetic light packable insulation jacket, and it wears the handcuffs in no time. Two trips and it's done. Bad material on an otherwise good light insulation jacket. I do have Fjällrävens old tent called Akka Shape R/S 2 and it's a really goof well lasting hard tough tent that never let's me down. It's design is better than their present day model. Another example is the new Exped Ultra 7R mats of which I have bought two, one M regular, one long/wide. They are said to be better than previous model, and they are not. They are slippery, no antiskid as the old one, and the heavier double valve is bad, Just doesn't let air out easily. Also, the new surface ripstop material is terrible to clean and it's actually nearly undoable. Bad design on those points. It's also heavier than the old model. One step forward, to steps back. Another example is The North Face. I have their VE 25 older all yellow but still presnet day featured expedition tent, and it looses all it's sealing tape on the floor, it lost both windows and it lost both foam pads on the sides. No spares, no help, no nothing, despite a written brochure that came with the tent, that says lifetime warranty, apart from all the exclusions. I cannot even get a footprint sheet for it. so had to make it myself, despite it's the exact same model today with it's newest iteration. It's a really great tent, really good design, can take a beating in really hard weather, and works well for a short time, then fades down with many faults. Of course I repair it. I am very cautions with my stuff and I am not hard on it, and take good care of it. So is my TNF futurelight hardshell jacket (the second most expensive model), which is not windproof, and not waterproof. Not at all. And TNF claims that because it's Futurelight, it doesn't need under arm zips to get rid of too much warmth when climbing or skiing etc. What a bad claim. It needs exactly that. I do have other TNF products that work okay. In my humble view, The North Face has gone down under to be yet another silly fashion company, with a previous outdoor background. Terrible service, no spares and no repairs - terrible company. Then there is for example Arc'Teryx most expensive hardshell jacket, which while waterproof, is not ventilating well and can wake up any mountain troll from far away. It's that loud. Really annoying. Then there is for example Canada Goose, that I also have, and Expedition works well apart from loosing down and the hand cuffs are terrible: loose and rips apart immediately. Same on the most expensive CG Snow Mantra, which I also have, and CG won't help. They demand that I ship them to Canada Gosse in Canada at my own cost and pay to have it repaired. No way. Bad bad service. They are of course all original. I do love my CG Snow Mantra and it is fortunately the old model, that is better made than todays version. To me, they are not fashion jackets, but that's what they have become. Skinny strange weirdoes looking like on drugs and very unhappy, in their clothing posing for the camera in cities. When I bought my CG Snow Mantra, Lance Mackey had just won yet another dog sled race in the worlds warmest jacket. And it works. And another example is the Yeti/Nordisk Passion Three sleeping bag. I found it to be too thin not holding it's temperature claims, looses down and the pull string to be wayyy to long and the zip to be snagging every single time. It's very expensive for what it is, and a bag like for example Sea to Summit Spark SPII is lighter, warmer and better made, far better design and cost much less. I have both. On the other hand, there are good stories too (incl. the Kajka and Bergtagen bags), for example the old Lowe Alpine Cerro Torre 65+10 bag which I have and simply cannot wear out. Not the most comfortable hip belt on me, but it works for linger trips okay. And their Lowe Alpine Triple Point Ceramic hardshell jackets and their fleece (the later a bit sweaty but that they all are), stuff of which I have many, and it took near 20 years before the ceramic layer fell apart. No other signs of wear, no zip problems, no tears etc, and it's been with me on many trip in forests, mountains and deserts. Of course they stopped making it... and the Lowe Alpine super thick mits and their gloves and also their mid length boot gaitors that works really well and just last and last. Cannot wear them out. Super happy about them. Also the Lowe Alpine Triple Point Ceramic mountaineering trousers (with suspenders) that I have and use. Doesn't wear down. Of course they also stopped making all of that... I also have a Mountain Equipment Everest 1250 as my warm bag and it's a super tough bag that never let's me down. No probs, just good design. It's not made any more, but there is a new design similar, but I haven't tried that myself, so cannot say anything. Or my two Black Diamond Raven Pro axes, which always performs albeit I did tape them to be a bit warmer holding them. My normal Mammut hiking boots and other stuff seems to work well. The boots are originally Reichle boots that were rebranded by Mammut and works well. Also the Reichle boots I used to have for hiking in mountains. Modern stainless steel Black diamond steigeisen and my old trusty lightly rusted steel Grivel steigeisen works well. I use a semithin down jacket with black stretchy inserts in elbows and sides of chest, from The North Face Summit Series, and it's really good and hard wearing and light too. They don't make that any more. All this stuff are not overrated. And there are many more examples, these are just some of my own. I can think of many more, for example La Sportiva Nepal Evo boots that looses their mid sole. I've seen it a few times, but I don't have these myself. I use my old pair of Scarpa Phantom Guides and they are really good as long as you remember to lubricate the zips with silicone grease on a regular basis. So are the many pairs of Scarpa approach shoes like Vitamin (old model), I had 3 pairs over many years, and the present day one I also have. None of these are overrated. This whole extreme lightness fashion is a bit weird to me. Of course I prefer not to carry anything unnecessary heavy, but to just suffer on a mountain or just in hard rain on a flat plain in a mini tent, on a minipad in a superthin sleepingbag is not my cup of tea. It may work well for a short time under perfect conditions, but not under pressure and in the long run. It's a naked king walking in front of an audience, everyone claiming that he is not naked, but well dressed. But he is not. He is just naked. Don't get me wrong, I do like lightness on bikes, cars and motorcycles and also in this field, but to a limit. Oh well, I guess some people wants to be cheated. Kind regards and have a nice safe trip. Jacques

Love my Lekis. Got them on sale at REI. Was doubtful at first but I gain and lose elevation in the mountains and find them very valuable. Soto also has a combo stove and pot kit that like 40 bucks or so. Great stove great value very compact and light.

I attached a camera mount to the top of one my trekking poles and use it as a monopod or selfie stick for my 360 camera.

Haaah! I love the hot takes. And I appreciate your balanced feedback. I am a big ol trekking pole fan, it keeps my ADHD self in stride and occupied and gives my upper body something fun to do. Also makes me faster downhill! Haha between backpacking motorcycling and skiing, I like to give my knees as much of a break as possible… and I’m 24… ha!

Question - what product are you using to nest (cup) the toaks pots with? Thanks - love the Vids!

@JamesPanning

2 жыл бұрын

That’s a cup/bowl from a GSI Soloist cook kit and a Toaks pot in a dynema sack

@BackcountryExposure

2 жыл бұрын

It's the cup that comes in the GSI Pinnacle Soloist cook kit.

@ew2122

2 жыл бұрын

Too bad. Would need to buy the whole kit just for the bowl...like buying the Soto Amicus cook kit just for the stove- been there, done that.

@cybertweak

2 жыл бұрын

@@ew2122 I think you may be able to buy the Bowl/Mug separately via GSI Outdoors Ultralight Nesting Bowl and Mug. I'll defer to other to advise otherwise.

Hard pass on super expensive single-wall tents, the Nemo Dagger has been my go-to for awhile, I love my Helinox, I dont usually use poles, love my jetboil stash because it generates all of my coffee in one cycle, also love my Toaks 750ml+Brs+fuel kit for hot/quick/lite/technical trips, and I really like the Pathfinder Ti canteen kit. A Geopress is a must imo, recently switched to the Ultrapress and like it even better (fits in bottle pockets *way* better.) Most of the time all of these item’s value depends on location, temps/weather, terrain and duration.

Once again gear is a personal issue. I have a couple stove setups dependent on the type of backpack trip I’m going on. If I’m setting up a base camp and want to cook up more gourmet meals then I have an MSR stove system that is bulkier but allows me to more evenly cook with a skillet to cook up the trout I caught but for most of my trips (anywhere from 5-12 days) where I just boil water then I love my Jetboil Stash. I used to use a very lightweight Snow Peaks stove, a titanium pot, and a medium (230g) fuel can until I observed my buddies using the Stash. It boils water significantly faster and uses less fuel. I can get roughly 24+ 8-10oz boils out of the small (100g) fuel can. To save time, space, and weight The Jetboil Stash is a winner!

Trekking poles are essential pieces of gear -- especially if solo walking. However having two poles is definitely not necessary and in some cases creates it's own issues because having one pole allows a truly unencumbered hand which is essential in the back country to navigate safely over downfall, etc. Having to take a pole off of ones hand each time you need to grasp or steady over obstacles is one more thing to potentially go wrong -- including tripping. So one pole is best in my opinion and essential for consistent stability when solo walking in the back country, but two poles becomes unweildly in potentially dangerous ways in many circumstances where obstacles are just common. But hands down the piece of equipment that has saved me from a fall or added stability to prevent injury was a single trekking pole. It has save my life and prevented tens of thousands of dollars of medical and rescue costs. Single pole = safety. Dual poles unnecessary in most circumstances. In terms of comfort cork handles are best and I disagree on not spending the money -- within reason -- because cheapers ones that are less ergonomicwill destroy your hands with blisters rendering the poles effectivness useless.

Walking sticks are my favorite camping tools, its great for traversting slippery stones and if you are two it can serve as something to grab on to as you get pulled up from a distance.

Love you channel. I’ve learned so much from you, but I’m obsessed with your tree slab t-shirt. I think it says Amanda Outdoors, but I can’t find merchandise on her page. Where can I get one?

@BackcountryExposure

2 жыл бұрын

Thanks! I think she’s just done limited runs. Maybe reach out to her on instagram and see if she’s doing another run soon. She has a great channel.

I dont understand people who whips out their poles on a flat easy ascent even descent. I only pull out poles when the trails gets REAL gnarly such as deep mud, ice, cliff on 1 side. Any scenario that requires me not to fall or slip basically.

Dyneema has its benefits since it can't hold water at all so I seen through hikers wipe it down and they don't carry all that water weight and they have a dry tent to set up. Trekking Poles I don't use but I would rather buy less expensive poles to use when needed. The chair is awesome. Absolute comfort after a long hike. Jetboil I got the MiniMo which has a regulator and I've cooked on it before and it's great. Just have to get it on sale to make it worth it.

I would love to bring a chair but after trying both the version that are light enough for me to consider, I've found them to be way, way to leaned back. That hurts my neck after sitting for a while. I sold both my Chair Zero and REI Flexlight Air. Still trying to figure out a more comfortable sitting solution.

I think dyneema is overrated. A tent only lasts one thru hike. There are many materials that are just as light but not as strong. So, make a tent out of less expensive, weaker material. Maybe it only lasts for 1/4 of a thru hike but it only costs $100. It’s a weird direction we are heading. Disposable outdoor gear.

Trekking poles. You can ruin your knees with just one major mountain descent. And, I assume, trekking poles can avoid this type of injury. I have no experience with trekking poles. However, having walked about 2/3 of the PCT I do have trekking experience. And during my hikes I noticed many people, if not most, lock their knees on descent. Which is horrible on your knees. Especially when carrying a backpack. I use a downhill technique using my hamstrings without locking my knees. It works. No need for trekking poles. Having no trekking poles, I cannot forget, lose or break my trekking poles. As to some energy efficiency claims, I am skeptical. How was this objectively measured? As to balance and/or scouting your way when river crossing, there might be a point. Though I personally never experienced a need for trekking poles for any of my hiking trips. By the way, I am Dutch and turning 60 coming February.

Dyneema... overrated for me, my main concern ususally is space, not weight. Trekking poles? trash them out, if i need a stick i can get literally infinity of them in nature for whatever i need them Chair.... absolutely a must in all of my trips!!! I remember the times when the camping chairs were literally impossible to carry inside a backpack, so glad for the new ones! (and i use a super cheap chinese one) jetboil, no need for it! I usually take with me a double combustion wood stove, it also works with alcohol if needed or pellets. Yeah, the jetboild is "all in one" but for the same price i can get the stove and a full cooking set if i want to For me, another overrated item are the famous water filters... yeah, all good until you are in an area (like most of my area) where waters are contaminated with agrochemicals, they can't be filtered, so you will be poisoning yourself anyways

I have the 3k version of the poles you are showing. Im 240 pounds and beat them to hell. They are still holding up perfectly. I dont use the straps.

Dyneema for tent: not necessary. But, nice! It is the only piece of kit with enough fabric to gain sufficient weight saving to justify the price if you can afford it! It is an emergency item for me, only used when absolutely needed.

plus trekking poles can be used to check out a dark crevice to make sure a snake isn't hidden inside.

Take my trekking poles off me and I refer you to bambi on ice ! Agree some are over priced. £60-80 will get a decent pair. Agree with jet boil, fell for the hype then went back to my £20 stove and crusader kit without bottle, I also have a small back burner and solid fuel base if gas runs out. Never without hot water.

GENUINE QUESTION: why do hikers not wear 1/3 of their wieght on their front? It's really good for your back and I'll guarantee you'll hike further easier and recover better.

Dyneema fabric might be great but it's massively overpriced on their tents. Is saving 1 lb worth $400? To me no. I used to be anti-trekking pole, living in Southwest Washington close to the PCT the one thing I noticed, almost every PCT through hiker had trekking poles. I ended up buying six sets of Costco trucking holes for roughly $35 a set. Carbon fiber, cam locks, core handles, replaceable feet tips. Have had them for approximately 6 years and never had an issue. Never owned a jetboil too heavy for one purpose. No I'm not cheap I just looked for good value for my money. Even value shopping my base weight for an overnight is approximately 18 lb plus or minus.

Those are the exact 3 chairs I'm considering! Can you give any insight as to the pro's/con's of each and what you might recommend?

@BackcountryExposure

Жыл бұрын

I’ve got a video coming out soonish on them.